Reaffirming his government’s unwavering support to the agricultural community, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday vowed that no farmer in Andhra Pradesh would be left disheartened.
Speaking at the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Acharya NG Ranga, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the legendary farmer leader, calling him a beacon of rural empowerment and democratic values. The occasion also coincided with the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram,’ adding symbolic significance to the event.
Naidu praised Acharya Ranga’s selfless life of service, noting that he and his wife had chosen not to have children in order to dedicate themselves completely to the freedom struggle and farmers’ welfare. Despite being an Oxford graduate, Ranga devoted his life to India’s independence and agrarian reform.
Recalling his personal connection with the iconic leader, Naidu said he had named the agricultural universities in both united and post-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh after Ranga. “His writings deeply influenced my interest in rural development,” Naidu said.
He also hailed Ranga’s leadership in the Andhra peasant movement and his historic 1964 Parliament speech defending farmers’ land rights — a legacy that earned him a place in the Guinness World Records for the longest parliamentary service.
CM Naidu slams previous YSRCP government for neglecting farmers
Turning to current issues, the Chief Minister criticised the previous YSRCP government for neglecting farmers and delaying crop insurance dues. Naidu said the NDA government cleared all pending payments immediately upon taking office, even amid financial challenges.
Emphasising the importance of technology and water management, he said that reservoirs in Andhra Pradesh are now 95% full, helping reduce cyclone-related losses. He announced full drip irrigation subsidies — 100% for SC/ST farmers and up to 90% for others — urging tenant farmers not to lose hope.
Naidu also called for a statewide shift to organic farming, warning that chemical residues were impacting agricultural exports. “Organic manure is the future,” he said, stressing that sustainable farming was key to securing long-term rural prosperity.
At the event, the Chief Minister unveiled the book Aadhunika Rajyangam Sansthalu (Modern Constitutional Institutions). The ceremony was attended by Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, MP Lavu Krishna Devarayalu, university vice-chancellors, senior officials, and farmers’ representatives.
Concluding his address, Naidu reiterated his lifelong commitment to farmers:
“Whenever the TDP was in power, we worked for farmers. Today, our coalition government is giving top priority to agriculture. We will ensure fair prices, lower input costs, and higher yields—so that every annadata prospers.”
